Clip for Securing Elongated Label Track and Associated Systems and Methods

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments are generally directed to clips and associated systems and methods for securing elongated label tracks. Exemplary embodiments include a top portion, an intermediate portion and a bottom portion. The top portion can be configured to secure to a top surface of a shelf or base deck. The intermediate portion can be configured to retain a portion of an elongated label track against a front face of the shelf or base deck. The bottom portion can be configured to engage a bottom surface of the shelf or base deck and support the elongated label track. The intermediate portion can extend at a first angle with respect to the top portion and a second angle with respect to the bottom portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application that claims the benefit of co-pendingU.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/411,240, which wasfiled on Jan. 20, 2017, which claims the benefit of commonly assignedU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/286,076, which was filed onJan. 22, 2016. The entire contents of the foregoing patent applicationsare incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Retail establishments generally use shelves or base decks for displayingproducts to be purchased by customers. The shelves or base deckstypically include a front face onto which labels including, for example,a product name, price, associated barcode, or the like, are affixed.Some retail establishments utilize label tracks formed as strips ofplastic that can accommodate multiple labels across a length of a shelf,and the label track itself is affixed to the front face of the shelf.Corresponding products are positioned on the shelf above or below theappropriate label such that customers can conveniently visualize theprice of the product to be purchased.

In a typical application, the label or label track can be secured to thefront face of the shelf or base deck with adhesive. Due to a lack ofsufficient adhesive, damage to the surface of the front face of theshelf or base deck, an unprepared front face surface, and/or a texturedfront face surface, the label or label track can become separated fromthe shelf or base deck, resulting in labels or label tracks that fall tothe floor. Labels or label tracks can thereby be lost or damaged andproducts on the shelf or base deck can remain without the essentialinformation needed by customers during shopping. Determining whichproducts require new labels and replacement of such labels can be timeconsuming, increasing the costs associated with managing the retailestablishment.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure overcome disadvantagesof conventional systems and methods of affixing labels to shelves byproviding for clips that advantageously engage the top, front and bottomsurfaces of the shelf to secure an elongated label track against thefront face of the shelf. Although discussed herein with respect toimplementation on a shelf, it should be understood that the exemplaryembodiments can be implemented in a substantially similar manner withbase decks and that the terms “shelf” and “base deck” are usedinterchangeably herein. In accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure, an exemplary clip for securing an elongated label track to ashelf is provided. The shelf can include a top surface, a front face anda bottom surface. The clip can include a top portion, an intermediateportion and a bottom portion.

The top portion can have a first length extending from a first terminalend to a first transition portion. The top portion can be configured tosecure to the top surface of the shelf. The intermediate portion canhave a second length extending from the first transition portion to asecond transition portion. The intermediate portion can be configured toretain a portion of an elongated label track against the front face ofthe shelf. The bottom portion can have a third length extending from thesecond transition portion to a second terminal end. The bottom portioncan be configured to engage the bottom surface of the shelf and supportthe elongated label track. Engagement of the top, intermediate andbottom portions of the clip with the shelf advantageously maintains theelongated label track affixed to the shelf, thereby preventing theelongated label track from becoming separated from the shelf during use.The intermediate portion can extend at a first angle with respect to thetop portion and a second angle with respect to the bottom portion.

In some embodiments, the first terminal end of the top portion caninclude a first locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the firstlocking mechanism can include a protrusion extending from a bottomsurface of the top portion in a direction away from the intermediateportion. The protrusion can define a substantially hook-shaped orL-shaped configuration configured to be positioned within an apertureformed in the top surface of the shelf.

In some embodiments, the top portion can include a second lockingmechanism disposed between the first terminal end and the firsttransition portion of the top portion. In some embodiments, the secondlocking mechanism can include two separated protrusions extendingsubstantially perpendicularly away from the bottom surface of the topportion. The two separated protrusions can be configured to snap fitwithin a single aperture formed in the top surface of the shelf.

The bottom portion can extend substantially parallel to the top portion.In some embodiments, the bottom portion can be configured to snap aroundthe bottom surface of the shelf to secure the bottom portion to theshelf. The first angle of the intermediate portion relative to the topportion and the second angle of the intermediate portion relative to thebottom portion can be different. In some embodiments, the first anglebetween the intermediate portion and the top portion can form aninterior angle that is an obtuse angle. In some embodiments, the secondangle between the intermediate portion and the bottom portion can forman interior angle that is an acute angle.

In some embodiments, the first transition portion can define a sharpcorner. In some embodiments, the second transition portion can define arounded corner with a radius. In some embodiments, the first length ofthe top portion can be dimensioned greater than the second length of theintermediate portion. In some embodiments, the second length of theintermediate portion can be dimensioned greater than the third length ofthe bottom portion.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplarysystem for securing an elongated label track to a shelf is provided. Thesystem can include a shelf, an elongated label track, and clips. Theshelf can include a top surface, a front face and a bottom surface. Theelongated label track can be configured to be positioned against thefront face of the shelf. The elongated label track can have a tracklength and a track width. The track length can be at least ten times thetrack width. Each of the clips can be as described herein. When theclips are secured to the shelf, the intermediate portion of each of theclips can be configured to retain the elongated label track against thefront face of the shelf.

The shelf can include two rows of apertures formed in the top surface.The two rows of apertures can extend substantially parallel to the frontsurface of the shelf. In some embodiments, the first terminal end of thetop portion of each of the clips can include a first locking mechanismconfigured to be positioned within an aperture of a first row of the tworows of apertures formed in the shelf. In some embodiments, each of theclips can include a second locking mechanism disposed between the firstterminal end and the transition portion. The second locking mechanismcan be configured to snap fit within an aperture of a second row of thetwo rows of apertures formed in the shelf to secure the clip to theshelf. In some embodiments, the elongated label track can include twoplastic sheets connected relative to each other at a first edgeextending the track length and defining an opening along a second edgeextending the track length.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplarymethod of securing an elongated label track to a shelf is provided. Theshelf can include a top surface, a front face and a bottom surface. Themethod can include providing clips. Each of the clips can be asdescribed herein. The method can include positioning an elongated labeltrack against a front face of the shelf. The method can include securingthe top portion of each of the clips to a top surface of the shelf. Themethod can include positioning the intermediate portion of each of theclips over the elongated label track to retain the elongated label trackagainst the front face of the shelf. The method can include engaging thebottom portion of each of the clips to a bottom surface of the shelf tosupport the elongated label track.

Any combination and/or permutation of embodiments is envisioned. Otherobjects and features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Itis to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as anillustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the presentdisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosedclips and associated systems and methods, reference is made to theaccompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary clip in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary clip of FIG. 1 alongsection 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of an exemplary clip of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective and detailed view of an exemplaryelongated label track in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary assembly of a shelf, anelongated label track and a clip in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary assembly of a shelf, anelongated label track and a clip in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary assembly of a shelf, anelongated label track and a clip in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of exemplary assemblies of shelves,elongated label tracks and clips in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an implementation of an exemplaryclip in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure overcome thedisadvantages of conventional systems and methods of affixing labels toshelves by providing for clips that advantageously engage the top, frontand bottom surfaces of the shelf to secure an elongated label trackagainst the front face of the shelf. FIGS. 1-5 show perspective, side,cross-sectional, top and detailed views, respectively, of an exemplaryclip 100. The clip 100 can be formed from a plastic material that iscapable of being molded and, once set, provides sufficient flexibilityfor engaging the clip 100 with a shelf while further providingsufficient stiffness to secure a label track to the shelf. The clip 100includes a top portion 102, an intermediate portion 104 and a bottomportion 106.

The top portion 102 defines a length 108 (e.g., a first length)extending from a first terminal end 110 of the clip 100 to a firsttransition portion 112. In some embodiments, the length 108 can bedimensioned as approximately 1 inch to approximately 2 inches. The firstterminal end 110 can define a distal end of the top portion 102 and thefirst transition portion 112 can define a proximal end of the topportion 102. The first terminal end 110 and the first transition portion112 are located on opposing sides of the length 108 of the top portion108. The top portion 108 defines a width 114 that can be substantiallyuniform along the entire length 108 of the top portion 108. In someembodiments, the width 114 can be dimensioned as approximately 0.4inches to approximately 0.8 inches.

The intermediate portion 104 defines a length 116 (e.g., a secondlength). The length 116 can extend from the first transition portion 112(e.g., a distal end of the intermediate portion 104) to a secondtransition portion 118 (e.g., a proximal end of the intermediate portion104). The first transition portion 112 and the second transition portion118 are located on opposing sides of the length 116 of the intermediateportion 104. The intermediate portion 104 defines a width 120 that canbe dimensioned substantially similarly to the width 114 of the topportion 108.

The bottom portion 106 defines a length 122 (e.g., a third length)extending from the second transition portion 118 (e.g., a distal end ofthe bottom portion 106) to a second terminal end 124 (e.g., a proximalend of the bottom portion 106) of the clip 100. In some embodiments, thelength 122 can be dimensioned as approximately 0.4 inches toapproximately 0.8 inches. Thus, the length 108 of the top portion 102can be dimensioned greater than the lengths 116 and 122 of theintermediate portion 104 and the bottom portion 106, respectively, andthe length 116 of the intermediate portion 104 can be dimensionedgreater than the length 122 of the bottom portion 106. The bottomportion 106 defines a width 126 that can be dimensioned substantiallysimilarly to the width 114, 120 of the top portion 108 and theintermediate portion 104, respectively. The top, intermediate and bottomportions 102, 104, 106 can define the same thickness 128 that can bedimensioned as approximately 0.04 inches to approximately 0.08 inches.As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, the top, intermediateand bottom portions 102, 104, 106 of the clip 100 can be substantiallyaligned along a central vertical axis A.

The top portion 102 and the intermediate portion 104 can be connected orextend relative to each other at the first transition portion 112. Theintermediate portion 104 and the bottom portion 106 can be connected orextend relative to each other at the second transition portion 118. Thetransitions between the top, intermediate and bottom portions 102, 104,106 can be substantially smooth and uniform, thereby forming a singleunitary structure for the body of the clip 100. In some embodiments, thetop, intermediate and bottom portions 102, 104, 106 can be connected orextend relative to each other such that the top portion 102 extendssubstantially parallel to the bottom portion 106, and the intermediateportion extends a first angle with respect to the top portion 102 and asecond angle with respect to the bottom portion, as described herein.

A top surface 130 of the top portion 102 can define a (first) plane, thetop surface 132 of the intermediate portion 104 can define a (second)plane that is angled relative to and intersects the (first) plane of thetop portion 102, and the top surface 134 of the bottom portion 106 candefine a (third) plane that is substantially parallel to the (first)plane of the top portion 102 and angled relative to the (second) planeof the intermediate portion 104. In some embodiments, an (interior)angle 136 formed at the connection of the top portion 102 and theintermediate portion 104 at the first transition portion 112 (e.g., theangle 136 between the plane defined by the top portion 102 and the planedefined by the intermediate portion 104) can be obtuse. In someembodiments, the angle 136 can be dimensioned as approximately 120° orbetween a range of approximately 100° to approximately 140°. In someembodiments, an (interior) angle 138 formed at the connection of theintermediate portion 104 and the bottom portion 106 at the secondtransition portion 118 (e.g., the angle 138 between the plane defined bythe intermediate portion 104 and the plane defined by the bottom portion106) can be acute. In some embodiments, the angle 138 can be dimensionedas approximately 60° or between a range of approximately 40° toapproximately 80°. Thus, the intermediate portion 104 can be oriented ina non-perpendicular manner relative to the top and bottom portions 102,106.

In some embodiments, the connection of the top portion 102 and theintermediate portion 104 at the first transition portion 112 can form asharp/pointed corner 140. In particular, the sharp corner 140 can definea minimal radius for manufacturing (e.g., a radius of 0 inches). In someembodiments, the connection of the intermediate portion 104 and thebottom portion 106 at the second transition portion 118 can form arounded/bullnose corner 142. In particular, the rounded corner 142 caninclude a chamfer with a radius of approximately 0.06 inches or a rangeof approximately 0.04 to approximately 0.08 inches. In some embodiments,the rounded corner 142 provides for an improved fit of the clip 100relative to the shelf.

In some embodiments, the top portion 102 can include a locking mechanism144 (e.g., a first locking mechanism) disposed at or near the firstterminal end 110. The locking mechanism 144 can be positionedsubstantially centrally relative to the width 114 of the top portion 102and can be aligned with the central vertical axis A. The lockingmechanism 144 can be in the form of an L-shaped or hook-shapedprotrusion extending from a bottom surface 146. In particular, thelocking mechanism 144 can include a vertical extension 148 extendingsubstantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface 146 of the topportion 102, and further includes a horizontal extension 150 extendingsubstantially perpendicularly from the vertical extension 148 in adirection way from the intermediate portion 104. In some embodiments, aninner corner 152 at the connection of the vertical and horizontalextensions 148, 150 can be substantially sharp (e.g., a radius of zeroinches).

In some embodiments, an outer corner 154 at the connection of thevertical and horizontal extensions 148, 150 can be substantially rounded(e.g., a radius greater than zero inches). As will be discussed ingreater detail below, the sharp and rounded corners of the lockingmechanism 144 can assist with engagement of the locking mechanism 144with apertures formed in the top surface of the shelf. In someembodiments, a length 156 defined by the locking mechanism 144 can bedimensioned as approximately 0.4 inches or a range of approximately 0.3inches to approximately 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, a width 158 ofthe horizontal extension 150 of the locking mechanism 144 can bedimensioned as approximately 0.2 inches or a range of approximately 0.1inches to approximately 0.3 inches.

In some embodiments, the top portion 102 can include a locking mechanism160 (e.g., a second locking mechanism) disposed between the firstterminal end 110 and the first transition portion 112 of the top portion102. The locking mechanism 160 can be positioned substantially centrallyrelative to the width 114 of the top portion 102 and can be aligned withthe central vertical axis A. The locking mechanism 160 can be in theform of two separated protrusions 162, 164 extending substantiallyperpendicularly away from the bottom surface 146 of the top portion 102.The inner surfaces 166, 168 of the protrusions 162, 164 facing eachother can be substantially planar, thereby forming a uniform channel 170between the inner surfaces 166, 168 of the protrusions 162, 164. In someembodiments, a width 172 of the channel 170 can be dimensioned asapproximately 0.06 inches or a range of approximately 0.04 toapproximately 0.08 inches.

The outer surface of each protrusion 162, 164 facing away from eachother can include a narrow extension 174, 176 connected to the bottomsurface 146 and a head portion 178, 180 at a distal end of the narrowextension 174, 176. The transition or connection between the narrowextension 174, 176 and the head portion 178, 180 can include aprotruding edge 182, 184. Each head portion 178, 180 can include adistal end forming an insertion point 186, 188. In some embodiments, theinsertion point 186, 188 can define a sharp corner or connection betweenthe inner surface 166, 168 and the head portion 178, 180. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the insertion point 186, 188 can definea rounded corner or connection between the inner surface 166, 168 andthe head portion 178, 180 (e.g., a radius greater than zero inches, suchas, for example, approximately 0.030 inches). In some embodiments, thewidth 190 of each of the protrusions 162, 164 can be dimensioned asapproximately 0.1 inches or a range of approximately 0.05 inches toapproximately 0.15 inches.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, the material offabrication of the locking mechanism 160 can be formed such that theprotrusions 162, 164 can be snap fit into an aperture formed in the topsurface of the shelf. In particular, the protrusions 162, 164 can flextowards each other to reduce the width 172 of the channel 170 duringinsertion of the locking mechanism 160 into the aperture and, uponinsertion into the aperture, the protrusions 162, 164 can expand to thenatural position with the uniform width 172 such that the protrudingedges 182, 184 prevent removal of the locking mechanism 160 from theaperture.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, perspective and detailed views of anexemplary elongated label track 200 are provided. The label track 200can be formed from two sheets portions (e.g., a first sheet 202 and asecond sheet 204). In some embodiments, the first sheet 202 can define afront side of the label track 200 (e.g., the side facing away from ashelf face when the track is mounted on the shelf face) and the secondsheet 204 can define a rear side of the label track 200 (e.g., the sidefacing towards a shelf face when the track is mounted on the shelfface). In some embodiments, the first and second sheets 202, 204 canintegrally or separately be fabricated from a plastic material. In someembodiments, the first sheet 202 can be substantially transparent orpartially transparent, and the second sheet 202 can be opaque. In someembodiments, both the first and second sheets 202, 204 can besubstantially transparent or partially transparent.

The label track 200 defines a length 206 and a width 208. In someembodiments, the length 206 of the label track 200 can be dimensioned atleast ten times the dimension of the width 208. In some embodiments, thelength 206 can be dimensioned as approximately 46 inches or a range ofapproximate 12 inches to approximately 82 inches. The first and secondsheets 202, 204 can be connected or joined relative to each other alonga first edge 210 extending the length 206 of the label track 200. Thelabel track 200 can include an opening 212 between the first and secondsheets 202, 204 along a second edge 214 extending the length 206 of thelabel track 200. The first and second edges 210, 214 can be disposed onopposing sides of the width 208 of the label track 200.

The opening 212 allows the first and second sheets 202, 204 to beseparated relative to each other to increase the width of the opening212 such that one or more labels 216 can be inserted between the firstand second sheets 202, 204. After insertion of the label 216, the firstand second sheets 202, 204 can spring back to the normal position, e.g.,the first and second sheets 202, 204 being positioned substantiallyagainst each other. One or more labels 216 can thereby be “sandwiched”between the first and second sheets 202, 204.

The vertical extension of the first and second sheets 202, 204 of thelabel track 200 can define a vertical plane. In some embodiments, thefirst edge 210 of the label track 200 can include a protrusion 218extending the length 206 of the label track 200. The protrusion 218 canextend substantially perpendicularly to the vertical plane defined bythe first and second sheets 202, 204. In some embodiments, a rear edge220 of the protrusion 218 can be configured and dimensioned to bepositioned against the bottom surface of the shelf to prevent or reduceundesired movement of the label track 200 relative to the shelf.

In some embodiments, the second sheet 204 can include a protrusion 222extending perpendicularly from the second edge 214. The protrusion 222can be configured and dimensioned to cover or overlap the opening 212between the first and second sheets 202, 204. Thus, if the label 216slides upward and through the opening 212 between the first and secondsheets 202, 204, the protrusion 222 can prevent the label 216 fromsliding completely out of the label track 200. The label 216 can therebybe maintained in a “sandwiched” configuration within the label track200.

With reference to FIGS. 7-10, perspective views of assemblies of a shelf300, an elongated label track 200 and clips 100 (e.g., a system) areprovided. The shelf 300 can include a top surface 302, a front face 304and a bottom surface 306. The top surface 302 can be connected to thefront face 304 along a first edge 308. The front face 304 can beconnected to the bottom surface 306 along a second edge 310. In someembodiments, one or both of the first and second edges 308, 310 candefine a rounded corner (e.g., a corner defining a radius greater thanzero inches). In some embodiments, the top surface 302 and the bottomsurface 306 can extend substantially parallel relative to each other. Insome embodiments, rather than including a bottom surface 306, the shelf300 can include only a top surface 302, a front face 304, and a secondedge 310 formed by the distal end of the front face 304, leaving anempty cavity behind the top surface 302 and the front face 304.

In some embodiments, the angle of a plane defined by the front face 304relative to planes defined by the top and bottom surfaces 302, 306 canbe different. In particular, the angle between the plane defined by thefront face 304 and the plane defined by the top surface 302 can bedifferent from the angle between the plane defined by the front face 304and the plane defined by the bottom surface 306. Thus, the front face304 can be oriented in a non-perpendicular manner relative to the topand bottom surface 302, 306. The angled orientation assists in providingan improved angle for customers to visualize the information provided onthe labels 216.

The top surface 302 of the shelf 300 can include two or more rows ofapertures 312 formed therein (e.g., a first row 314, a second row 316, athird row 318, or the like). Each of the rows 314, 316, 318 can besubstantially parallel to the first edge 308 of the shelf 300 andsubstantially parallel relative to each other. In some embodiments, theapertures 312 can be configured in the shape of, e.g., a diamond, acircle, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, an oval, or the like. Theapertures 312 in each of the rows 314, 316, 318 can be substantiallyaligned relative to each other.

During use, one or more labels 216 can be “sandwiched” between the firstand second sheets 202, 204 of the label track 200. The label track 200can be positioned against the front face 304 of the shelf 300. Thedimensions and substantially flat configuration of the label track 200can conform to the substantially flat configuration of the front face304 of the shelf 300. In some embodiments, the rear edge 220 of theprotrusion 218 of the label track 200 can be positioned against thebottom surface 306 of the shelf 300 such that the connection between thesecond sheet 204 and the protrusion 218 is positioned against the secondedge 310 of the shelf 300. The protrusion 218 can prevent the labeltrack 200 from sliding upwards above the top surface 302 of the shelf300.

The distal end of the horizontal extension 150 of the locking mechanism144 can be inserted into an aperture 312 of the third row 318 (e.g., therow furthest away from the first edge 308 of the shelf 300). The lockingmechanism 144 can be pushed into the aperture 312 until the inner corner152 abuts an edge of the aperture 312. The top portion 102 of the clip100 can be pushed downward such that the bottom surface 146 of the clip100 is positioned against the top surface 302 of the shelf 300. Pushingthe clip 100 downward can force the protrusions 162, 164 of the lockingmechanism 160 into an aperture 312 of the first row 312 (e.g., the rowclosest to the first edge 308 of the shelf 300).

In particular, the protrusions 162, 164 can flex towards each other andforce can be imparted on the top portion 102 of the clip 100 to forcethe locking mechanism 160 into the aperture 312 beyond the protrudingedges 182, 184 of the locking mechanism 160. Once the protruding edges182, 184 have passed through the aperture 312, the protrusions 162, 164can expand to the normal position such that the protruding edges 182,184 extend beyond the edges of the aperture 312 and prevent the lockingmechanism 160 from being pulled out of the aperture 312. Thus, a snapfit of the locking mechanism 160 relative to the aperture 312 can becreated to lock the top portion 102 of the clip 100 relative to the topsurface 302 of the shelf 300.

The intermediate portion 104 of the clip 100 can be positioned againstthe label track 200 such that the label track 200 is “sandwiched”between the front face 304 of the shelf 300 and the intermediate portion104 of the clip 100 and the clip 100 retains the label track 200 inposition with respect to the front face 304. The bottom portion 106 ofthe clip 100 can be flexed to pass and snap around the second edge 310of the shelf 300. In some embodiments, a space or pocket can be formedbetween the rounded corner 142 of the clip 100 and the label track 200and/or the second edge 310 of the shelf 300. Snapping of the bottomportion 106 around the second edge 310 can secure the clip 100 to thebottom surface 306 and/or the second edge 310 of the shelf 300, therebypreventing the clip 100 from being disengaged from the shelf 300. Insome embodiments, multiple clips 100 can be attached to the shelf 300along the length 206 of the label track 200 to maintain the entirelength 206 of the label track 200 secured to the shelf 300. The clip(s)100 can therefore advantageously maintain the label track 200 secured tothe front face 304 of the shelf 300 and the label track 200 can beremoved only if the clip 100 is detached from the shelf 300 by reversingthe attachment steps described above or, in some embodiments, by slidingthe label track laterally along a length of the shelf.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 400 ofimplementing the clip 100 during assembly with a label track 200 and ashelf 300. To being, at step 402, clips can be provided. At step 404, anelongated label track can be positioned against a front face of theshelf. At step 406, a top portion of each of the clips can be secure toa top surface of the shelf. At step 408, an intermediate portion of eachof the clips can be positioned over the elongated label track to retainthe elongated label track against the front face of the shelf. At step410, a bottom portion of each of the clips can be engaged with a bottomsurface of the shelf to support the elongated label track. The clips canthereby be used to maintain the label track secured to the shelf.

While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expresslynoted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, butrather that additions and modifications to what is expressly describedherein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, itis to be understood that the features of the various embodimentsdescribed herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in variouscombinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutationsare not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

1. A clip for securing an elongated label track to a shelf or base deck,the shelf or base deck including a top surface, a front face and abottom surface, the elongated label track including a width and alength, the clip comprising: a top portion having a first lengthextending from a first terminal end to a first transition portion, thetop portion configured to secure to the top surface of the shelf or basedeck; an intermediate portion having a second length extending from thefirst transition portion to a second transition portion; a bottomportion having a third length extending from the second transitionportion to a second terminal end, the bottom portion configured toengage a bottom surface of the shelf or base deck and support theelongated label track; wherein the width of the elongated label track isdimensioned substantially equal to the second length of the intermediateportion and bounded by the first and second transition portions of theclip.
 2. The clip of claim 1, wherein out of the top portion, theintermediate portion, and the bottom portion, only the intermediateportion is configured to sandwich the elongated label track against theshelf or base deck.
 3. The clip of claim 1, wherein the length of theelongated label track extends beyond side portions of the clip.
 4. Theclip of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion extends at a firstangle with respect to the top portion and a second angle with respect tothe bottom portion, the first angle forming an interior angle that is anobtuse angle between 100° and 140°, and the second angle forming aninterior angle that is an acute angle between 40° and 80°.
 5. The clipof claim 1, wherein the first terminal end of the top portion includes afirst locking mechanism, the first locking mechanism comprising aprotrusion extending from a bottom surface of the top portion in adirection away from the intermediate portion.
 6. The clip of claim 5,wherein the top portion comprises a second locking mechanism disposedbetween the first terminal end and the first transition portion of thetop portion, the second locking mechanism comprising two separatedprotrusions extending perpendicularly away from a bottom surface of thetop portion, the two separated protrusions configured to snap fit withina single aperture in the top surface of the shelf or base deck.
 7. Theclip of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion extends parallel to the topportion.
 8. The clip of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion isconfigured to snap around the bottom surface of the shelf or base deckto secure the bottom portion to the shelf or base deck.
 9. The clip ofclaim 1, wherein the first transition portion defines a sharp corner.10. The clip of claim 1, wherein the second transition portion defines arounded corner with a radius.
 11. The clip of claim 1, wherein the firstlength is greater than the second length and the second length isgreater than the third length.
 12. A system for securing an elongatedlabel track to a shelf or base deck, the system comprising: the shelf orbase deck including a top surface, a front face and a bottom surface; anelongated label track configured to be positioned against the front faceof the shelf or base deck, the elongated label track having a tracklength and a track width; and a plurality of clips, each of theplurality of clips including (i) a top portion having a first lengthextending from a first terminal end to a first transition portion, thetop portion configured to secure to the top surface of the shelf or basedeck, (ii) an intermediate portion having a second length extending fromthe first transition portion to a second transition portion, and (iii) abottom portion having a third length extending from the secondtransition portion to a second terminal end, the bottom portionconfigured to engage a bottom surface of the shelf or base deck andsupport the elongated label track; wherein the track width of theelongated label track is dimensioned substantially equal to the secondlength of the intermediate portion and configured to be bounded by thefirst and second transition portions of the clip.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein when the plurality of clips are secured to the shelfor base deck, out of the top portion, the intermediate portion, and thebottom portion, only the intermediate portion of each of the pluralityof clips is configured to sandwich the elongated label track against theshelf or base deck.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the track lengthof the elongated label track is configured to extend beyond sideportions of the clip.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein theintermediate portion extends at a first angle with respect to the topportion and a second angle with respect to the bottom portion, the firstangle forming an interior angle that is an obtuse angle between 100° and140°, and the second angle forming an interior angle that is an acuteangle between 40° and 80°.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the shelfor base deck comprises two rows of apertures formed in the top surface,the two rows of apertures extending parallel to the front face of theshelf.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first terminal end of thetop portion of each of the plurality of clips comprises a first lockingmechanism configured to be positioned within an aperture of a first rowof the two rows of apertures formed in the shelf or base deck.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of clips comprises asecond locking mechanism disposed between the first terminal end and thefirst transition portion, the second locking mechanism being configuredto snap fit within an aperture of a second row of the two rows ofapertures formed in the shelf or base deck to secure the clip to theshelf or base deck.
 19. The system of claim 12, wherein the elongatedlabel track comprises two plastic sheets connected relative to eachother at a first edge extending the track length and defining an openingalong a second edge extending the track length.
 20. A method of securingan elongated label track to a shelf or base deck, the shelf or base deckincluding a top surface, a front face and a bottom surface, theelongated label track including a width and a length, the methodcomprising: providing a plurality of clips, each of the plurality ofclips including (i) a top portion having a first length extending from afirst terminal end to a first transition portion, the top portionconfigured to secure to the top surface of the shelf or base deck, (ii)an intermediate portion having a second length extending from the firsttransition portion to a second transition portion, and (iii) a bottomportion having a third length extending from the second transitionportion to a second terminal end, the bottom portion configured toengage the bottom surface of the shelf or base deck and support theelongated label track; positioning an elongated label track against thefront face of a shelf or base deck; securing the top portion of each ofthe plurality of clips to the top surface of the shelf or base deck;positioning the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of clipsover the elongated label track; and engaging the bottom portion of eachof the plurality of clips to the bottom surface of the shelf or basedeck to support the elongated label track, wherein the width of theelongated label track is dimensioned substantially equal to the secondlength of the intermediate portion and bounded by the first and secondtransition portions of the clip.